New Phone & Box Seal Broken

No ONE on 11/05/2015 - 15:46
Last edited 11/05/2015 - 16:27

Hi ozbargainers,
New story. Purchased Samsung galaxy Note 4 (overseas stock) from UniqueMobiles weeks ago and arrived today. After opening the packing, I saw the phone box seal was already broken. Is it normal to find the seal broken? I suspected the phone might be refurbished then I started inspecting the phone. I did not find any major fault or sign of usage, however I noticed some dust inside phone camera sensor. I tried to take photos as accurate as possible but camera couldn't snapped a photo compared to human eyes. Also, I found a small but hardly noticeable dent on the phone's bezel at the bottom.

Did a quick chat and I was told the phone seal was broken for unlocking purpose, and the dust and small dent issue should be forwarded to warranty section. I just want to hear if anyone else find it off (or is bothered in such circumstances) with broken seal box. I wrote it because I want to know that if that's normal and that I don't have to go through lengthy warranty process.

Images:
http://imgur.com/a/BNQuO

tl;dr:
New phone and box seal broken and get told the seal was broken to unlock the phone. Is it normal?

Mobile

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closed Comments

  • ozhunter on 11/05/2015 - 16:27

    I tried to take photos as accurate as possible but camera couldn't snapped a photo compared to human eyes.

    What?

    I think Kogan also claim to unlock or check the phones they sell too. It's very possible that you did get a used/refurbished phone. Just another reason why some choose to buy locally.

    • No ONE on 11/05/2015 - 16:53

      ..compared to human eyes

      I think you get my point :D

  • jzdhgkd on 11/05/2015 - 16:32
    +1

    Quick googling reveals this happening lots of times in the past, e.g.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/156443
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/161719
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/98608

    And here was the official reply from uniquemobiles found here

    "Hi There,

    Apologies for not attending to your call. Be rest assured your item is brand new though staff randomly inspect handsets and open to place adapters inside the box. Your warranty is 12 months from date of purchase should you have any concerns what so ever. Please contact us on 1300 729 101 during Business hours should you have any other questions. I hope you enjoy your new phone"

    I'll leave it up to you to browse through the comment threads

    • No ONE on 11/05/2015 - 16:50

      Thank that helped. btw did you mean to place an australian adapter, if so then I have not seen any adapter other than european adopter.

  • plmko on 11/05/2015 - 17:09
    +1

    To my knowledge, if it's gonna be a grey import, Samsung Note 4 needs to be opened so they can shove an overseas SIM card in and 'region unlock' the phone.

  • airzone on 11/05/2015 - 20:42

    My wife got an iphone 5 from Kogan. It was sealed still, but it had a T-Mobile sim card in it. Seems reasonable to:
    1) Unlock if necessary
    2) Remove any factory inserted sim
    3) Change default language to English
    4) Remove carrier branding if any
    5) Use the empty box space to smuggle drugs
    6) Include an adapter if it fits
    Just look the phone over for original plastic packaging, cables nicely bagged / tied, and those other indicators of factory condition.

    Reminds me of the time a colleague bought a genuine new and unused Nokia from the only honest street market vendor in Thailand. It even included the home porn from the previous owner and their various pay-by-the-hour friends.

  • No ONE on 12/05/2015 - 15:23

    Thanks. Given that broken box seal practice is common, I would not bother about it anymore. Problem resolved.

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